Velta Marie Burns

Heaven gained a precious little angel when our beautiful mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on 1/28/2014. Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald Burns, her parents, David and Esther Houskeeper and her brother, Fred Hartman and a sister, Judy McIntire. She is survived by her four sons Rickie (Michele) Kost, Chandler, AZ; David (Stephanie) Kost, Tempe, AZ; Danny Kost, Chandler, AZ; and Richard "Lee" (Jo) Lacey, Post Falls, ID, as well as a sister Cleo Coutu, Deer Lodge, MT and five grandchildren: Bryson and Trevor Kost, Blake and Tyler Lacey and Daphne Kost.

Marie was born 3/22/1938 in Plummer, ID and was later moving to Sandpoint, ID where she was raised by two wonderful parents in her own little paradise on the family farm.

As a child growing up, she had many wonderful stories of selling all the farm animals to the neighbor. So her parents wouldn't have to work so hard or that some of the chickens would sometimes meet an early demise when not cooperating on the egg gathering. Such a little helper!

As a drop dead gorgeous teen, Marie was later swooned by her first husband Elliott and moved to Southern California where they had Rickie, David and Danny. After Elliott passed away, she moved back to Sandpoint, later marrying and giving birth to Lee. After divorce, she raised these four boys with the true love, grit and toughness that would be her legacy. She did this by oftentimes sacrificing so much, so that her sons "never" went without all the comforts of childhood. Sacrificing most times meant she would go without food so that her sons had the best. All who knew her, knew how much her boys meant to her. For this, Marie is the best mother beyond any doubt.

Later, Marie would meet and marry her best friend and true soul mate, Donald Burns. This was a true match made in heaven. They proceeded to raise those four sometimes rambunctious boys through some very tough times. But, she always made sure all needs of the family were met. Like baking up to ten different pies a week, to meet all the families taste needs; going for firewood with her husband, which was not always fun because she would never leave a space open or a hole unfilled that a extra piece of wood would fit. This meant a little extra time and effort in splitting that perfect piece of wood.

This is, in fact is just a small glimpse at the life that would be hers. All who knew here, knew that there was no truer friend to be found. One of her favorite sayings was, "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met!"

Through this horribly tough time after being diagnosed, she handled every hurdle with the eloquence and dignity of a saint. She never complained and always walked with a smile on her face and held her head high. Especially when going to church, which was her passion or the cards at the senior center or to Curves, which she rarely missed. Or, to a dance in which she absolutely loved to do with her beloved Donald -- or to play any board game or Domino's known to man!

Our precious little angel will be so dearly missed. But, we can all take comfort and have peace knowing that she is dancing with Dad in a perfect place on a perfect day.

No one will ever know the strength of the love for my sons. They are the only ones that know what my heart sounds like from inside. God Bless.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.